Just returned from this trip Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tour and Vacation Package with OAT. Absolutely fabulous! Machu Picchu is so spectacular that pictures do not do it justice. The setting in the Andes is amazing, especially Agua Calientes the nearby town. We had two visits to the ruins, and hiked part of the Inca trail. It was wonderful.We visited a few other ruins in Peru, including the sacred valley which is so lovely it brought tears to my eyes.
Also, our tour guide was fabulous and knowledgeable about the Incas, which made the trip a mini-seminar in Inca history. We also visited artist studios, had lunch with a local family, and lots more. A very busy trip.
The Galapagos also surpassed my expectation. For an animal lover, being so close to the birds and sea lions was really wonderful, and the snorkling, among the turtles and sea lions and tropical fish was spectacular. The seas were calm this time of year and so the small boat cruise was very relaxing. Only 16 people on our boat plus the crew. It was great!
Ecuador was interesting, but I have to say that Quito is a big, ugly polluted city. So much traffic! Viewing the persistent scenes of poverty throughout the country was distressing to me. But Cuenca is lovely as were the Andes mountains. But the bus trip through the highlands was scary because of thick fog, and our driver's persistence in passing the farm trucks on curving mountain highways.
But overall a great trip!
Also, our tour guide was fabulous and knowledgeable about the Incas, which made the trip a mini-seminar in Inca history. We also visited artist studios, had lunch with a local family, and lots more. A very busy trip.
The Galapagos also surpassed my expectation. For an animal lover, being so close to the birds and sea lions was really wonderful, and the snorkling, among the turtles and sea lions and tropical fish was spectacular. The seas were calm this time of year and so the small boat cruise was very relaxing. Only 16 people on our boat plus the crew. It was great!
Ecuador was interesting, but I have to say that Quito is a big, ugly polluted city. So much traffic! Viewing the persistent scenes of poverty throughout the country was distressing to me. But Cuenca is lovely as were the Andes mountains. But the bus trip through the highlands was scary because of thick fog, and our driver's persistence in passing the farm trucks on curving mountain highways.
But overall a great trip!
Last edited: